Importance of hospital gowns

[jackmcnults]

In general, the most common reason that hospitals began to provide, require, or offer clothing to patients was to reduce infection and improve hygiene, as clothing can be ruined by leakage of bodily fluids from various examinations, treatments, and procedures.

[purpflux]

I think part of the reason is also so that if you've had surgery or an incision that your close won't aggravate it and cause it to reopen. Gowns tend to be much lighter material than most clothes.